Honda Odyssey Review by Edmunds.com

Review by Edmunds.com

For most of its lifespan, the Honda Odyssey has been a favored pick for many savvy minivan consumers. Although the vehicle had a rather humble debut, it quickly hit its stride once Honda came out with the second-generation model, which featured a spacious cabin and an innovative fold-into-the-floor third-row seat. Now in its third generation, the Odyssey is one of the top minivans currently available.

Invariably, whenever we've had a minivan comparison test, the Honda Odyssey has made a strong showing, usually earning top honors. ... the Honda's combination of [performance and family-friendly] features, along with a roomy, comfortable cabin, sporty driving dynamics and a long-standing impressive record of reliability, have made the Odyssey a favorite among our road-test staffers with kiddies.

The Honda Odyssey is a seven-passenger minivan available in LX, EX, EX-L and Touring trim levels. The well-equipped LX features full power accessories, cruise control, side curtain airbags, stability control and a CD player. The EX adds alloy wheels, eight-passenger seating, power-sliding doors, power driver seat, a six-disc CD changer, in-floor storage with a "lazy Susan" and second-row sunshades.

There's also the EX-L version that provides leather seating, heated seats, a power tailgate and a sunroof. The Touring adds triple-zone climate control, driver memory seat, AC power outlet, power-adjustable pedals, foglights, parking sensors, a second-row removable center console, run-flat tires and a tire-pressure monitoring system. A rear entertainment system and navigation system are optional on the EX-L and Touring.

For power, the Honda Odyssey relies on a 255-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The EX-L and Touring trim levels feature Variable Cylinder Management, or VCM, which improves the Odyssey's fuel efficiency by "shutting off" three of the engine's six cylinders during cruising and deceleration. When power is needed for acceleration, the engine seamlessly switches back to all six cylinders.

On the road, the Odyssey impresses thanks to its powerful engine and stable handling. Cornering is flat, the steering is direct and acceleration and braking are linear and sure. All of these qualities have made this Honda van a favorite of Edmunds editors, and it won the Edmunds.com Editors' Most Wanted minivan award more times than any other minivan on the market.

source: Edmunds.com